Appendix 1 Draft AONB Mana
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Cabinet Draft AONB Management Plan 2021-26 14 April 2021 DRAFT MINISTERIAL FOREWORD I am fortunate that England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are part of my Ministerial responsibilities. Whether it be rolling hills, sweeping coastline or a tranquil village, spending time in an AONB can stir the heart and lift the spirit. This is a pivotal moment for all AONBs. The Government has set its ambition in the 25 Year Environment Plan which states clearly the importance of natural beauty as part of our green future, while AONBs retain the highest status of protection for landscape through national planning policy. Leaving the EU brings with it an opportunity to develop a better system for supporting our farmers and land managers, who play such a vital role as stewards of the landscape. The Government welcomes the Review of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty led by Julian Glover - the first of its kind for generations - to ensure our designated landscapes can flourish in the years ahead. In my visits to AONBs around the country, I have been struck by the passion of many people - farmers, volunteers, and hard-working staff - for the beautiful places they live and work. In this spirit I am delighted to welcome publication of this Statutory Management Plan for The Kent Downs AONB. It is significant that this plan will be delivered in partnership by those who value the Kent Downs. I would like to thank all those involved in preparation of this document, and wish you the best of success in bringing it to fruition. DRAFT 1 Cabinet Draft AONB Management Plan 2021-26 14 April 2021 Introduction An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them. AONBs represent only 18% of the land area of England and Wales. In this small proportion of the country it is the landscape that must come first. The Kent Downs is home to some of the most enchanting landscapes of southern Britain. Put simply, the purpose of this Management Plan is to set out the strategy to conserve and enhance the landscape and to bring forward the wider benefits to society that this work brings including supporting the sustainable development goals and enhancing health, well-being and creating the simple joy that beautiful landscapes can provide. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership has worked closely with many individuals and organisation to prepare and produce this revision of the Management Plan for this special place. We are grateful to the many people who have been involved in developing this Plan. The Management Plan provides the strategic framework energy, direction and commitment for the future of the landscape and through the previous versions of the Plan, much has been achieved. Indeed the Kent Downs AONB partnership is recognised nationally as one of the most effective at securing resources to support the management of this fine landscape. At the same time the pressures on this particular landscape have grown once again, Kent is facing unprecedented levels of development and change including the challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises. Our response to this greater pressure and to the difficult financial environment is not to retreat to seeking merely to protect the Kent Downs; instead, this Plan is more ambitious for the landscape and seeks wider, stronger and more collaborative and inclusive partnerships to meet its positive objectives. The ultimate goal of the Management Plan remains to ensure that the natural beauty of the landscape and vitality of the communities in and around the Kent Downs AONB are recognised, valued and strengthened well into the future. We seek to do this in a way which enhances health and well-being, is inclusive and engaging and supports much needed sustainable growth and development especially in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We encourage you to take part, to work with us to conserve and enhance this most beautiful and most threatened landscape. Chris Reynolds Nick Johannsen Chairman DRAFT Director 2 Cabinet Draft AONB Management Plan 2021-26 14 April 2021 1. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Contents Summary of changes .............................................................................................................2 1 Overview .........................................................................................................................2 1.1 A vision for the Kent Downs AONB in 2030...................................................................3 1.2 The special components, characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB .........3 Dramatic landform and views; a distinctive landscape character .....................................4 Biodiversity-rich habitats ..................................................................................................4 Farmed landscape ...........................................................................................................4 Woodland and trees .................................................................................................. con4 A rich legacy of historic and cultural heritage ...................................................................5 The Heritage Coasts ........................................................................................................5 Geology and natural resources ........................................................................................5 Tranquillity and remoteness .............................................................................................6 2 Quality of life in the Kent Downs ......................................................................................6 Vibrant communities ........................................................................................................6 Access, enjoyment and understanding ............................................................................6 Overview An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that they are safeguarded in the national interest. The Kent Downs is recognised nationally and internationally for its quality and character. This is a landscape of drama and intimacy; there is diversity and contrast withinDRAFT the AONB; there are ancient places as well as the bright white of a new cliff fall, the quiet of a woodland walk, dramatic hills and tranquil valleys, birdsong, breath- taking views, dazzling wild flowers, stars at night and the crashing of waves. The landscapes of the Downs have been shaped by the combination of nature and human hands, creating a place that has inspired art and science; retains remarkable historic 3 Cabinet Draft AONB Management Plan 2021-26 14 April 2021 places and patterns, internationally valued nature and is much valued by people. This is a distinctive, national landscape of outstanding quality and value. 1.1 A vision for the Kent Downs AONB in 2041 The first AONB Management Plan agreed a 20-year vision; while this 2004 vision remains fundamentally unchanged the context has changed markedly, with unprecedented growth predicted in Kent by the Kent Growth and Infrastructure Framework, adding around 25% to the population by 2031, just 10 years. The decline in biodiversity and impact of climate change which has been declared or recognised as an emergency by Parliament and most of the AONB partnership and there is a consensus that radical change is required by 2030 if we are to address these emergencies. The policy context that the AONB partnership is operating in is rapidly moving and in the light of this – while the partnership remains far sighted and ambitious for the AONB, with a long term overall vision for the landscape each section of the plan is re-focused order to spur impact and the achievement of the aims and principles of the plan in a 10 year period. Our vision for the Kent Downs In 2041… the qualities and distinctive features of the Kent Downs AONB, the dramatic south-facing scarp, far-reaching views, secluded dry valleys, network of tiny lanes, isolated farmsteads, churches and oasts, orchards, dramatic cliffs, the ancient woodlands and delicate chalk grassland along with the ancient, remote and tranquil qualities, are valued, secured and strengthened. The Kent Downs has become a landscape where change supports the AONB’s distinctive and valued features. Nature recovery, responses to development pressures and climate change have enhanced the Kent Downs landscape. The Kent Downs is greener, healthier, wilder and more beautiful, it is recognised and valued, enjoyed and cherished and its future conservation and enhancement is a certainty. Strong, assertive leadership from the AONB partnership along with positive partnerships with organisations, civil society, local people and land managers act together with wider publics to recover, conserve, enhance, enjoy and promote a nationally and internationally recognised and valued landscape. 1.2 The special components, characteristics and qualities of the Kent Downs AONB The rich landscape of the Kent Downs AONB, is made up of landscape components with special characteristics and qualities which together distinguish it as a landscape of national and international importance and underpin its significance and natural beauty. Often the setting of the Kent Downs has great value and was a principle